Bunions

• • Hereditary.
  • Trauma.
  • Abnormal walking style and altered biomechanics of the foot (excessive rolling in or flat feet).
  • Ill fitting narrow footwear.

• The 4 Stages and Symptoms of a Bunion:

  • First Stage: deformity only visible on X-ray, minimal discomfort or pain, tightening of the tendon on the inside of the big toe.
  • Second Stage: visible lateral displacement of the big toe towards the second toe, slight bump evident, forefoot becomes wider with mild to moderate pain and inflammation.
  • Third Stage: increased widening of the forefoot, increased space between the big toe and second toe, increased tenderness and deformity.
  • Fourth Stage: total dislocation of the big toe joint, gross deformity and enlarged bunion bump, possible clawed second toe.

   

• The goal is to try and stabilise the bunion in Stage 2 for as long as possible. This is because stage 3 is where most of the  deformity occurs and increase in the size of the “bunion bump”.

• Supportive footwear
• Toe separators
• Foot orthoses to off load pressure in that area
• Foot mobilisation therapy and or dry needling
• Daily stretching and strengthening exercises for the big toe
• Anti-inflammatory medication for pain
• Orthopaedic review/ surgical correction

This can be a painful and embarrassing foot condition for many people. For the best results it is important to seek treatment in the initial stages of the condition. Well Heeled Podiatry can help with your bunion pain and embarrassment and provide you with suitable footwear options and foot orthoses to increase comfort and slow down the progression of joint deformity and displacement.

• Related Topics

  • Foot Mobilisation Therapy
  • Dry Needling
  • Prolotherapy
  • Gout
  • Arthritis
  • Sesamoiditis
  • Hallux Limitus/ Rigidus
  • Turf Toe